Backroad Records’ “Original Mud Digger” Lenny Cooper Announces the First Annual Rocky Ridge Big Bad Truck Contest‏

Backroad Records’ “Original Mud Digger”
Lenny Cooper Announces the
First Annual Rocky Ridge Big Bad Truck Contest

Contest will run throughout
Colt Ford’s 2012 “Declaration of Independence”
tour launching April 6

Backroad Records, a subsidiary of Average Joes Entertainment, and Lenny Cooper, known as the “Original Mud Digger,” will be hosting the First Annual Rocky Ridge Big Bad Truck Contest from each concert stop on Colt Ford’s 2012 “Declaration of Independence” tour, kicking off April 6 in Albany, GA at the Sasser Flea Market. Winners will be chosen daily and the grand prize winner to be awarded the title “Best Truck” for the entire tour and will win a Rocky Ridge High Liner Package, valued at over $1000.

At each location on the “Declaration of Independence” tour, fans are encouraged to bring out their jacked-up and tricked-out trucks between the hours of 6pm and 7pm.  Lenny Cooper, along with the Average Joes camera crew, will roam the parking lot and judge the “big bad” trucks.  Truck owners with the biggest and baddest truck will be chosen on the spot by Cooper and will receive VIP tickets (includes backstage access and “best seats” of the house).  The winning “truck of the day” will be featured on Lenny Cooper’s website and social pages.

Daily winners will be entered to win the Rocky Ridge High Liner Grand Prize Package, valued at over $1000.  The package includes an Aero Skin, 4pc set of Seamless Ventvisors, a front and rear set of floor liners, and a set of side steps in chrome or black, plus Rocky Ridge t-shirts.  The winner for “Best Truck” of the entire tour will be announced June 20 on www.lennycoopermusic.com

Don’t miss out on your chance to win!  Get your tickets now at www.coltford.com

More Information on Lenny Cooper:
Lenny Cooper, a talented kid from Newberry, South Carolina, never had any idea that posting a video for his song "Mud Digger" on YouTube and tagging country star Colt Ford would lead to a record deal.  But, as luck would have it, the video became an instant sensation, accumulating over 3 million views and landing him a deal on Backroad Records, a subsidiary of Average Joes Entertainment.

Selling over 100,000 "Mud Digger" digital singles, Cooper has recently released his debut album, Diesel Fuel. The debut album contains a remix of the hit song that started it all, "Mud Digger." Cooper is currently opening for Colt Ford on his 2012 "Declaration of Independence" tour. www.lennycoopermusic.com

More Information on Rocky Ridge:
Rocky Ridge is a SVM (special vehicle manufacturer) for General Motors specializing in custom order trucks. Known for their in 6” ProComp suspensions lift, this family owned company prides itself on having the best hydro graphics and state of the art paint and interior department in the country. They are also have a full interior shop, and can provide custom headliners, leather seating, and monogramming. www.rockyridgetruck.com

2012 “Declaration of Independence” Tour Dates:
4/6/2012    Albany, GA            Sasser Flea Market*
4/7/2012    Florence, AL          Alabama Music Hall of Fame*
4/13/2012   Forest, MS            Scott County Coliseum
4/14/2012   Monroe, LA            Ike Hamilton Expo Center
4/15/2012   New Braunfels, TX  Whitewater Amphitheare
4/20/2012   Hiawassee, GA       Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
4/21/2012   Florence, SC          Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fairground*
4/27/2012   Danville, VA           Carrington Pavilion
4/28/2012   Beckley, WV          Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center
5/4/2012     Fort Smith, AR       Phoenix Expo Center
5/5/2012     Shelbina, MO         Shelby County Fairgrounds
5/11/2012   TBA                     TBA
5/12/2012   Blytheville, AR        Arkansas Aeroplex*
5/18/2012   Pinnacle, NC          Jomeokee Campground
5/19/2012   Cookeville, TN        Scooter's Biker Bar
5/25/2012   Brunswick, GA        TBA
5/26/2012   Lake Wales, FL       Triple Canopy Ranch
5/27/2012   Perry, FL               Iron Horse Mud Ranch
6/1/2012     Lake Charles, LA     Lake Charles Civic Center
                  (on-sale via www.ticketmaster.com )
6/2/2012     Pensacola, FL        Pensacola Interstate Fair Grounds
6/8/2012     Wichita, KS           The Cottilion
6/9/2012     Blevins, AR            The Hilarosa ATV Park

*Rehab Opens

Visit www.coltford.com for on-sale and up-to-date tour information

TEXAS TROUBADOUR STEPHANIE URBINA JONES‏

TEXAS TROUBADOUR
STEPHANIE URBINA JONES
FROM SONGS TO STAGE TO SCREEN

Its been a winding road for singer/songwriter turned actress Stephanie Urbina Jones as she moves from stage to screen as one of the featured artists on the national TV docu-drama Troubadour, TX.  This unique television series follows the lives of various singers and songwriters as they pursue their dreams across the Lonestar State, a legendary hotbed of American music. Storyteller, filmmaker and singer-songwriter, Stacy Dean Campbell takes you behind the scenes to follow the music, the passion and the journey. Jones auditioned in her hometown of San Antonio, TX and soon stepped in front of the camera not only out on the road and in the intimate Studio 41 Cafe in Dallas, TX, but also as the female lead in a Texas Western called "Courage." Troubadour, TX caught it all on film and will tell that story this weekend in more than 40 million households in 140 U.S. markets across the country.  Catch Jones’ segment on Sunday, March 11^th on the CW Network at 10:00 PM.
 
Having moved to Nashville from Texas, Jones was signed as the first and only writer for hit songwriter Jim McBride who penned such hits as "Chattahoochie,” “Neon Rainbow” and “Who Says You Can't Have It All" (to name a few) in his co-venture with Sony/ ATV / Tree. Jones was a successful writer, but her heart was called back to the road and to her passion to celebrate her Hispanic roots in Country music. Jones released her self-titled debut album and hit the road on a six week radio tour.  Within a year she was the first independent Hispanic female to go #1 on the Texas Music Chart for five weeks in a row and performed on some of the most prestigious stages including a duet with legend Willie Nelson at his Fourth of July Picnic.

Soon Nashville came calling and Jones was signed to Equity Records, Clint Black’s independent label that launched Little Big Town. As the story goes, just as she was about to get her shot the label folded and Jones did what any troubadour does, she hit the road to heal her heart. She found refuge in her music and was gratefully embraced by Texas radio with her song "Como Se Llama, Mama" (What’s Your Name Girl), a duet with Texas legend Augie Meyers. Within in a short period of time, Jones was being sponsored by Houston based Arriba! Salsa, and started filming her first movie along with a video for her single "I’m Not A Pinata" at the world famous Honky Tonk Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth.  "This road has taught me to be grateful for what I have in each moment." Jones said. “I keep on dreaming and believing but I keep my focus in the present;  in the joy of writing songs, in the moments of magic and divine connection between me, my band and the fans, and in the simple pleasures of time with family, friends and those I hold near and dear to my heart.”

Stephanie Urbina Jones has exciting new things on the horizon so stay tuned and be sure to catch this week’s episode and see the story behind this rising Texas troubadour. Visit www.troubadourtx.com for channels and air times.

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES WEBSITE
www.stephanieurbinajones.com

SUJ TROUBADOUR TEXAS INTRO VIDEO
www.troubadourtx.com/video/1092989517001

I'M NOT A PINATA VIDEO
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=PL9E01A461BFB78C10&v=PNx2J_m-nu8

MOVIE TRAILER FOR "COURAGE"
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=PL9E01A461BFB78C10&v=x0lTOk7oxk0

VIDEO FOR "I AM HOME"
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&list=PL9E01A461BFB78C10&v=wIFe-GFvQuM

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/StephanieUrbinaJones

For rock music news check out www.mydenrocks.blogspot.com and to for country music keep checking out www.mycountryden.blogspot.com

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO ELI YOUNG BAND'S LATEST SINGLE, "EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART"

AMAZING FAN REACTION EVIDENT DURING “KEEP ON DREAMIN’ TOUR”

EYB performed their first headlining show in St. Louis, MO at The Pageant. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Republic Nashville)

Excited fans fill Joe’s Bar in Chicago during their two-night, sold-out run at the venue.

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Republic Nashville)

With their #1 Platinum hit, “Crazy Girl,” Republic Nashville’s Eli Young Band has become one of the most notable recent breakouts acts. A mere six weeks old, their Top 30 follow up single, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” is poised for similar success, especially if fans have anything to say. Footage (http://youtu.be/0UABo0HAYcg) from their recent two-night, sold-out stint at Joe’s Bar in Chicago exhibits EYB’s mass appeal with a lively following already singing along. A few days later, the band performed to a packed house during their first headlining show in St. Louis at The Pageant.

In the midst of their “Keep On Dreamin’ Tour” dates, EYB will also open for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Australian tour. The band is nominated for the upcoming 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards in three categories – Single of the Year and Song of the Year as well as Vocal Group of the Year.

For the full touring schedule and more visit, www.eliyoungband.com. 

For rock music news check out www.mydenrocks.blogspot.com and to for country music keep checking out www.mycountryden.blogspot.com

GRAMMY NOMINATED DUO THOMPSON SQUARE PARTNERS WITH CHILDFUND INTERNATIONAL FOR 2012 CONCERT SEASON

GRAMMY NOMINATED DUO THOMPSON SQUARE
PARTNERS WITH
CHILDFUND INTERNATIONAL
FOR 2012 CONCERT SEASON
 

Grammy nominee Thompson Square and ChildFund International are pleased to announce a promotional and awareness partnership to extend throughout the chart-topping duo’s 2012 concert season. The dates will include both Thompson Square’s headlining performances as well as the duo’s supporting dates on Lady Antebellum’s 2012 Own the Night World Tour.
Beginning this weekend, audiences will be treated to a video of Thompson Square discussing the duo’s ChildFund International partnership, describing the difference each fan can make in a child’s life through the organization.  The video will be set to the music of Thompson Square’s latest hit single, “Glass,” which The Washington Post recently hailed as a “poignant meditation on human vulnerability.”
ChildFund International will be on site at each concert in a booth run by volunteers who each personally sponsor a child through the organization.  Fans who visit the ChildFund International booth and sign up to sponsor a child that evening will receive an autographed copy of Thompson Square’s self-titled debut album.
Husband/ wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson, themselves, have sponsored a young girl from Indonesia through ChildFund International. 
“The concert venues present another great opportunity to share the message and experience of sponsoring a child,” says Matt Panos, vice president of Global Fundraising and Communications for ChildFund.
“When we learned about the amazing work ChildFund International does to help children on a global scale, we knew immediately that we wanted to be involved and figure out a way that we could contribute,” says Keifer Thompson.
“We’ve personally sponsored an adorable little girl named Lady from Indonesia and hope to make a difference in her life,” adds Shawna Thompson. “Also giving away one of our signed albums to fans who want to join us and give back to a child in need is the very least we can do to help."

ABOUT CHILDFUND INTERNATIONAL
ChildFund International is a global child development and protection agency serving more than 13.5 million children and their family members in 31 countries. For more than 70 years, we have helped the world's deprived, excluded and vulnerable children survive and thrive to reach their full potential and become leaders of enduring change. As a member of ChildFund Alliance we create supportive environments in which children can flourish. To sponsor a child in need, visit the ChildFund website at: http://www.childfund.org

ABOUT THOMPSON SQUARE
Stoney Creek Records’ Thompson Square became Country music’s breakout act of 2011 when the duo’s Platinum-plus selling single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” became a #1 Country radio smash, conquered the Billboard Heat Seekers Chart, spent 5 weeks at #1 on the Country Digital Soundscan Chart and remained the #1 Country Ringtone for 12 weeks straight.   The single became the “Most Played Song of the Year” at Country Radio (Mediabase 2011), was named iTunes’ “Country Single of 2011” and earned 2012 GRAMMY nominations for both Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/ Group Performance of the Year. Thompson Square was a triple award winner at FOX’s 2^nd Annual American Country Awards.
In 2011, Thompson Square was honored as the “New Country Artist of the Year” (Mediabase), Billboard’s #1 New Country Artist of 2011 and Billboard’s #6 New Artist of 2011 (sales - all genres).  
The duo was named one of USA Today’s “Six Pack of Success” stories, was heralded as USA Weekend’s “Who’s Hot in Hollywood,” peaked at #3 on MTV’s Music Meter (all genres) and landed on Entertainment Weekly’s “Hot List.”  Additionally, the 2011 American Music Award nominee for New Artist of the Year is also the only duo to reach #1 on CMT’s Top 50 Artist Chart in 2011.  2011 also found Thompson Square nominated for multiple CMA and CMT Awards as well as playing to over one million fans, many as part of Jason Aldean’s My Kind of Party Tour.
Currently nominated for, “Vocal Duo of the Year,” at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards, Thompson Square will criss-cross the U.S. in 2012 as part of Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night World Tour.  Thompson Square’s new single, “Glass,” is already a Top 40 hit and rising quickly.
For more information visit www.thompsonsquare.com

POPULAR COUNTRY’S FAMILY REUNION “GETTIN’ TOGETHER” WILL AIR THROUGHOUT MARCH ON RFD-TV‏

POPULAR COUNTRY’S FAMILY REUNION “GETTIN’ TOGETHER”
WILL AIR THROUGHOUT MARCH ON RFD-TV

Tune In to See Country Music’s Legendary Family Reunite and Reminisce 

Nashville, TN (March 2, 2012) – Will the circle be unbroken? If “Country’s Family Reunion” has anything to do with documenting the stories and songs of country music’s legendary family, it will remain firmly, and enjoyably, intact.  Since 1997, Gabriel Communications has been bringing artists together into one room to reunite and reminisce about their careers, perform signature songs and share stories while the cameras roll.  The result has been pure magic, leading to popular TV airings and successful DVD sales leaving country fans clamoring for more.  Portions of the latest Reunion installment, “Getting Together,” will air during the month of on RFD-TV (America’s Most Important Rural Network) at the following times:

Every Friday
7 P.M. Central/8 P.M. Eastern

Every Saturday
5 A.M. Central/6 A.M. Eastern
11 P.M. Central/12 Midnight Eastern

This month’s airings will include performances by Gene Watson, Jeannie Seely and Helen Cornelius.

The entire “Getting Together” Reunion also includes stellar performances by such artists as Bill Anderson, Moe Bandy, Dailey & Vincent, Oscar Sullivan, Don Edwards, Ed Bruce, Jean Shepard, Jim Ed Brown, Con Hunley, Larry Gatlin, The Whites, Johnny Lee, T. Graham Brown, Roy Clark, Buck Trent, Linda Davis, Jimmy Fortune, Rhonda Vincent, Joey + Rory, Dallas Frazier, Neal McCoy, Jan Howard and John Conlee and is available in a 4-Disc set at www.cfrvideos.com or by calling 1-800-820-5405.

COUNTRY STAR NEAL MCCOY CELEBRATES RELEASE OF XII AS GAC’S FAN FOCUS ARTIST OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH‏

COUNTRY STAR NEAL MCCOY CELEBRATES RELEASE OF XII
AS GAC’S FAN FOCUS ARTIST OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH

Widespread coverage on new album Includes Yahoo Music! Ram Country,
Country Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, People Country, Dallas Morning News,
American Songwriter, Nashville Music Guide Cover Story, and more!

Nashville, TN (March 1, 2012) - Country Star Neal McCoy celebrates the release of his new album, XII, next Tuesday, March 6, as GAC’s Fan Focus Artist of the Month for March. Early widespread media coverage and reviews surrounding the long-awaited release includes an exclusive live performance on Yahoo! Music Ram Country’s, “Music with a View,” an intimate interview on GAC’s “On the Streets,” a spread in Country Weekly, People Country, Entertainment Weekly, Dallas Morning News, Cleveland Plain Dealer, American Songwriter, Nashville Music Guide’s March Cover Story, and more.  McCoy will be in New York during street week conducting satellite radio and television tours.

XII, produced by Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Brent Rowan, is McCoy’s first album in five years. In the 21 years since the Blaster Music recording artist released his first single, Neal McCoy – the consummate live performer and multi-platinum country singer – has released 11 albums, over 25 charted singles, and a string of top ten radio hits, all while completing  15 USO tours and supporting his charity, the East Texas Angels Network. He was also recently named as one of the Top 10 USO Entertainers of All Time.

For more information on the life and musical career of Neal McCoy, please visit www.nealmccoy.co

AVERAGE JOE'S ENTERTAINMENT SETS DATE FOR MONTGOMERY GENTRY ALBUM‏

AVERAGE JOE'S ENTERTAINMENT SETS DATE FOR MONTGOMERY GENTRY ALBUM

Rebels On The Run to Hit Stores October 4, 2011

The past year has seen incredible changes in the personal and professional lives of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry - some positive, some not - and all of those experiences and emotions have been funneled into award-winning duo Montgomery Gentry's seventh studio album. Rebels on the Run, a collection of 11 songs that define where Montgomery Gentry have been and where they're going, will be available from their new label home, the indie powerhouse Average Joe's Entertainment, on October 4, 2011.



"In a lot of ways the past year has been has been nothing but hell," said Eddie Montgomery, whose life was upended with the C-word and D-word late last year. He was blindsided by news of prostate cancer, which was fortunately caught early, promptly treated it and is now in remission. A short time later, his wife filed for divorce. "Man, without T-Roy and my family, this music, our fans and the Man upstairs, I don't know how I would've gotten through it."



"I don't know if we would have made the same album if we hadn't been through everything we've been through in the last year," added Troy. "We've always tried to record songs about things we've lived or seen, but the depth of all of those experiences really comes out in this album."



The biggest career change in the last 10 months was a move from the only label they had ever known, Columbia Records, to one of the most artist-friendly companies, Average Joe's Entertainment.



Average Joe's instructed Eddie, Troy and producer Michael Knox, whose production credits include Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Hank Williams, Jr, Kelly Clarkson and others, to "go in and make some Montgomery Gentry music." Music that harkened back to the songs that initially brought them to the dance.



"They had gotten away from the music that made people fall in love with them in the beginning," said Tom Baldrica, President of Average Joe's Entertainment. "Eddie and Troy know their audience better than anyone, because they are their audience. That made it easy for them figure out what kind of songs they wanted on this album. They have also developed incredible relationships with the best songwriters in the business, which in turn helped them get the absolute best songs."



Eddie and Troy collaborated with Jim Collins, Ira Dean, Wendell Mobley, David Lee Murphy, Rivers Rutherford, and Neil Thrasher on three cuts on the album. Rodney Clawson and Dallas Davidson co-wrote the duo's first single from Rebels on the Run, "Where I Come From," and they turned to friends like Kelly Archer, Greg Bates, Kevin Grantt, Justin Weaver and others for the remaining songs.



The guys are on the road this week with dates in California, Las Vegas and Colorado. As members of the Grand Ole Opry since 2009, they will be back in Nashville to play the storied stage on September 13. They are scheduled to headline the 28th Annual Love Ride motorcycle rally with Jay Leno outside Los Angeles on Sunday, October 23, 2011. For more details, visit www.montgomerygentry.com.